Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-05-25
ON THE q. SUPREME
COURT.
TIE AUGUSTA BAR RECOMMENDS Hon. JNo. R.
TUCKER.

| A very full meeting of the members -of the
Augusta bar assembled in the Courthouse yes
| terday morning to give expression to their
| sentiments in reference to the existing vacancy
| in the Supreme Cont Of the United States
| caused by the death Of Judge Woods, of Ala
bama. On motion of Geo. NJ. Harrison, ESQ.,
Judge Hugh w. Sheffsy was called to preside.
and Maj. T. C. Elder named Alex. F. Robert
son, ESQ.,. for Secretary, which was agreed to.
Judge Sheffey, when stating the object of the
meeting, said that. 1t. was designed that the
Hon. A. II. II. Stuart should preside over It's
deliberations, but he was prevented by dis
ability Continuing, he said the bar was as
sembled to give expression to their wishes,
with an endorsement OF the character O.
the Hon. Jno. R. Tucker. in connection with
the appointment to fill the vacancy on the Su-
preme Court of the United States. His learn
ing, his character land his fitness for the place
were of the highest order. AS a man Of ac-
quired learning in certain branches of the law
none were his superiors. If any supposed he
was not 8 working man, it was a great mistake,
for he Investigated with complete thorough
ness. He would make judge of whom we
might be proud, and his learning, exper fence.
and ability would add to the Court. If called
to that station, he would enter upon IL as did
Chief Justice fancy with his mind grasping
great questions as the Constitution provided
for their consideration and decision.
Captain Charles Grattan offered the follow
Ing preamble and resolutions which he prefaced
with appropriate remarks. Having known
Mr.. Tucker long and Intimately and consider
ing him great man among men. and partlc.
ulsrly in his qualifications for the Supreme
bench, he presentedlthe preamble and resolu-
ton as Observation-Disclosures Of the pro-
fession.
Whereas by the recent demise of judge of
the Supreme Court of the United States who
was appointed from the South, vacancy has
occurred on the bench of that tribunal; and
whereas the Hon. John Randolph Tucker, of
rgna u.s. in sne III b OF ns
brethren, by reason of natural talents OF high
order and discriminating character. through
love Of the law for its own sake. patient and
persistent industry, great professional learn
ing acquired in the course Of long general
practice at the bar, in the office OF Attorney
General OF his native State. and Professor of
Law for five years in Washington and Lee
the Of the United States
House of Representatives. and by reason Of his
sound physical constitution and unsullied
any judicial position to which he may be ap-
pointed Therefore, it is by the bar OF the
city of staunton andl county OF Augusta. in
the State of Virginia. to whom the Hon. John
Randolph Tucker Is well known
Resolved That in their opinion, there is no
fed than Mr.. Tucker to mi the place recently
made vacant by the demise of Justice Woods;
and they most respectfully but earnestly. re-
quest His Excelleney. President Cleveland, to
appoint Mr.. Tucker to this vacancy.
Major Marshall Hanger seconded the resolu-
tions.
Major Elder remarked that he had known
Mr. Tucker for a long time, and had been i'm
sod anti
him it was hereditary, to which add his long
training, application, and practice. AS chair
man of the Judiciary COMMITTEES of the House
of Representatives, he was the acknowledged
leading lawyer of that body. In all parts of
the country there were men who adhered to
strict construction of the constitution, and 1t
was eminently fit that there should be rep
resentatiye Of those views upon the Supreme
Court bench. The President would honor him
self by this appointments and Mr.. Tucker would
reflect honor upon his State and the country.
William E. Craig, Esq, next addressed the
meeting. He said it was quite pleasing to him
when occasions of this kind come to pass
where the members of the profession could lay
aside all other influences and meet together to
advance purpose SO proper and so desirable.
He referred to an instance when he desired
the cooperation of his brother members of the
bar, and the unanimity and generous manner
in which he received it in advancing friend,
and now we all look to the administration in
this appointment to chose friend oft.
In looking over the field, there was none in
Virginia whose claims equalled those of Mr..
Tucker Some had said he was too old. He
would remindLthem that there are other things
than his age to be considered. In looking at
that matter he would say Mr.. fuckers physi-
cal condition is as perfect men generally
are at fifty years of age. Judging by his past
life and the longevity of his family, he has a
score of years yet before him. Mr.. Tucker is
not the man to take advantage of the privi-
lege to retire by virtue of age. He would not
do so, for he is man made of superior parts.
Now We here in Virginia want Virginian.
1 would be an honor to the State and the bar,
and Virginia, that we love, would be honor
ed. He most heartily concurred in the resolu-
TONS.
The resolutions were unanimously passed,
and Judge Shelley, Captain Grattan, Major
Elder, and VIM. E. Craig and Geo. NJ. Cochran,
Jr., Esqs., were appointed committee TO COM
municate the same to the President Of the
United States.